tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-59490633813373668672024-03-04T23:19:41.858-08:00Stepping DiagonallyJust a little off the beaten path...Casshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13230001306972369011noreply@blogger.comBlogger79125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5949063381337366867.post-63605035313582798602012-04-20T10:22:00.001-07:002012-04-20T10:23:38.196-07:00Check, check, check!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">[<a href="http://www.iconlet.com/info/94917_check-box_258x258" target="_blank">source</a>]</span> </div>
Happy Friday everyone!<br /><br />I don't know about all of you, but I feel like lately my life is one big whirlwind of stuff to do. Not necessarily bad stuff, but there's a lot going on. I blame the wedding. :-)<br /><br />As much as I love the planning process of making an event happen, I feel like the most satisfactory part of planning this wedding is when I get to check off a box on my to do list. Dress shopping? Check! Venue? Check! We finally figured out our save the dates and invitations last week and I got such a rush out of checking this off the list. I know I have so much more to go to get this done, but knowing the end is in sight and at that end I get to see my fiance's smiling face is definitely worth it.<br /><br />This weekend we go to pick out rental items (tents, place settings etc) and do a tasting with the caterer. After we figure that out, we're celebrating with going to see the <a href="http://www.tulipfestival.org/" target="_blank">tulips up in Mt. Vernon</a>, check out the street fair and lunch/wine tasting at <a href="http://www.carpentercreek.com/" target="_blank">Carpenter Creek</a>. Supposedly the weather's planning on cooperating so that makes it all that much sweeter. Although if M has his way we'll be checking out the new <a href="http://www.cabelas.com/" target="_blank">Cabelas </a>opening, after all Troy from Swamp People will be there. ;-)<br /><br />So...any good weekend plans? And if you're planning a wedding do you feel like this as well?<br />Casshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13230001306972369011noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5949063381337366867.post-80962299611005956622012-03-22T11:11:00.000-07:002012-03-22T11:12:12.232-07:00Happy Birthday & your 30'sToday is M's 30th birthday. Currently he is taking in very important business meetings in Chicago & hoping he can catch an earlier flight home but he's also desperately trying to hold on to his 20's.<br />
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I get this. We celebrated my 30th birthday last year and I did the same thing. For the 6 months prior to my birthday I was freaking out. You know, worried that I haven't accomplished enough, that despite being as old as you feel...what if I feel old? Now I realize that this is how it's going to be with us, every ten years. I'll go through the motions first and we'll follow up with him.<br />
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But despite M being out of town for his birthday, we did manage to do it up right. We celebrated his birthday last weekend on St. Patrick's Day. Making sure to get a couple of our friends we went out to a fancy dinner at <a href="http://www.elgaucho.com/" target="_blank">El Gaucho Bellevue</a> since the one thing he was requesting was a good steak. Followed it up with a trip to <a href="http://www.bowlluckystrike.com/" target="_blank">Lucky Strike</a>, a fancy bowling alley and we were laughing our asses off. Apparently M is the only one who while drinking can still bowl a decent game, and our group of friends have some interesting takes on bowling form.<br />
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Monday was also our 4 year anniversary and the day before he left for his trip so I gave him his gifts: a blu ray player and Game of Thrones Season 1. He was beyond excited, but insisted I set it up while he was gone. Somehow I'm the tech person in our family. :-) We also head across the mountains to Yakima for the weekend so he can spend some birthday time with the rest of his family. I'm hoping for some relaxing and good weather since yet again I woke up this morning to a dusting of snow. Spring can't come early enough to WA.<br />
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Happy birthday M - come home safe tonight.</div>Casshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13230001306972369011noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5949063381337366867.post-19606446114016840882011-12-13T16:07:00.000-08:002011-12-13T16:07:17.096-08:00Love & holidaysI'll admit, I've been behind on my blog for a while. Posting <a href="http://rootsandrings.com/about/ten-on-tuesday-topics-and-archives/" target="_blank">Ten on Tuesday</a> is pretty much all I had time for, and by the time I've caught up with my Google Reader there's not a lot of time to actually post. But I'd like to work on this a little, so let's start slowly with a little bit of a list.<br />
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+ Biggest & brightest reason I've been absent? I got engaged! Back in October M & I headed out to Kansas for a KU football game (my first trip out there). He wanted to show me the town where he spent his college years since in our home it's Jayhawks all the time. Well, toward the end of the campus tour he started acting a little weird. We made it to the campanile which overlooks the stadium and he pulled out the most beautiful ring.<br />
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We spent the rest of our trip celebrating it up and cheering on the football team even though they lost.<br />
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+ Because of the engagement it's been a bit of a whirlwind around here. As per usual, everyone we come in contact with wants to know details. Have you set a date? September-ish. Where is it? Not sure yet. Etc. etc. Add in the fact that almost every other friend I have is engaged or married right now that's all they want to talk about. But we have appointments on Sunday to look at some venues...so stay tuned.<br />
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+ Thanksgiving came and went with a lot of drama. My grandparents usually do dinner at their house, but my mom called me the Tuesday before saying my grandfather had a really bad cold. Because of this my grandmother didn't want to get the rest of the family sick. My mom offered to host the event, but I reminded her that her oven was out of commission and in turn Thanksgiving was at our place. Almost 20 people over and a 25 lb turkey? That would make most people's head spin...let alone two days before the event. Add in I've never even roasted a chicken before, let's just say I was a little anxious. But it went off w/o a hitch...no burnt turkey and everyone had a great time.<br />
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+ As for now? I'm hopelessly trying to get my holiday shopping done in time. I managed to get my cards out, but I have another 250 to do at work so I just keep remembering to breathe. <b>Anyone else running behind schedule???</b>Casshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13230001306972369011noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5949063381337366867.post-17619669150129662352011-11-23T10:58:00.001-08:002011-11-23T11:06:07.703-08:00Ten on Turkey Day<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I'm a little behind as Thanksgiving was dumped in my lap yesterday so let's get this started! Compiled at <a href="http://rootsandrings.com/2011/11/ten-on-tuesday-107/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+RootsAndRings+%28Roots+And+Rings%29" target="_blank">Roots & Rings (Chelsea)</a> and questions provided by <a href="http://eisrandom.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">E is Random (Elizabeth)</a>.<br /><br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">[<a href="http://i-love-cartoons.us/" target="_blank">source</a>] </span><b><br /></b></div>
<b>1. What are you doing for Thanksgiving this year?</b><br /><br />This year was supposed to be at my grandparent's place, but my grandpa caught a horrible cold. As of yesterday morning a few phone calls were made and now it's at my place.<br /><br /><b>2. What are you most thankful for this year?</b><br /><br />A great group of people around me. Family, friends & future family make things wonderful.<br /><br /><b>3. Do you have any traditions on Thanksgiving? The parade? Football? Long naps?</b><br /><br />In our family this is the start of having lefse. For those not of Scandinavian decent, it's kind of like a potato tortilla. You put butter & sugar on it, then roll it up.<br />
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For M he insisted on the Macy's parade & football on TV at all times.<br /><br /><b>4. Is it called stuffing or dressing? Is it in the bird or a separate dish?</b><br /><br />It's called stuffing if it's inside the bird, and dressing outside the bird. We usually have both.<br /><br /><b>5. Do you cook?</b><br /><br />I do this year! I usually bring a few dishes (I was supposed to bring 3 apps) but I'm going to attempt a 25 lb turkey and have 20 people over to my house. Please wish me luck, I'll need it!<br /><br /><b>6. What is your favorite dish?</b><br /><br />I love stuffing & cranberries (real, not in a can). Oh, and the wine. :-)<br /><br /><b>7. What is your dessert preference?</b><br /><br />Pumpkin pie all the way, with real whipped cream.<br /><br /><b>8. What is your favorite Thanksgiving memory?</b><br /><br />When I was little I used to sit on my grandparent's organ seat at the table because it was a little higher up.<br /><br /><b>9. Do you plan to shop on Black Friday?</b><br /><br />Absolutely not. I have a hard enough time shopping on a normal day, I can't handle that many people being inconsiderate. M might go out tomorrow on his own though, he loves a good deal.<br /><br /><b>10. What are you most dreading about Thanksgiving this year?</b><br /><br />Honestly? Part of me is dreading hosting...only because it's harder to get away. When we have this many people together I usually need a few mins to get away and recharge. It's easier when it's at someone else's house, but if I have to lock myself in the pantry I'll do it. Ha!<br />
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Happy Thanksgiving everyone!Casshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13230001306972369011noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5949063381337366867.post-26516535207256163882011-10-11T10:05:00.000-07:002011-10-11T10:05:30.091-07:00Ten on Tuesday: Pasta Edition<b> </b>Today's <a href="http://rootsandrings.com/2011/10/ten-on-tuesday-101/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+RootsAndRings+%28Roots+And+Rings%29">Ten on Tuesday</a> post comes from <a href="http://stmonicasbridge.wordpress.com/">Kristen @ St. Monica's Bridge</a> and it's all about pasta. As pasta is one of my favorite foods ever I couldn't resist.<br />
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<b>1. Red Sauce or White Sauce?</b><br />I like a little combination of both. Or, even better...make a red sauce & add a little cream (and syrah!)<br /><br /><b>2. Do you prefer pasta you can twirl or stab?</b><br />I like both, but we do a lot of angel hair so there's some serious twirling going on in my house.<br /><br /><b>3. Baked or boiled?</b><br />Mostly boil, but on occasion there is a casserole around here.<br /><br /><b>4. Do you like meat in your sauce or do you kick it vegetarian style?</b><br />I think if I didn't include meat in the sauce M might kick me out of the house. I used to do veggie because I had a serious phobia of raw meat, but I'm getting better.<br /><br /><b>5. Where have you had your very best pasta ever?</b><br />Probably at my grandparent's house. My grandma gave me the recipe and I make it almost weekly. But it's super basic...chicken, carrots, broccoli, pasta, swiss cheese, cream & garlic.<br /><br /><b>6. What is your favorite pasta dish?</b><br />My step dad's chicken parm w/pasta alfredo is pretty awesome.<br /><br /><b>7. Do you serve meatballs when you make spaghetti or just do a meat sauce?</b><br />Mostly do a meat sauce unless meatballs are requested. I don't really like balls or loaves of meat (insert joke here) so I break it up a lot.<br /><br /><b>8. Why type (rice, whole wheat, egg, etc) of noodles do you use?</b><br />Umm...whatever the standard is. I don't go out of my way to buy gluten free or anything extremely nutritious.<br /><br /><b>9. What type of meats or vegetables do you put in your sauce?</b><br />Mostly hamburger & spicy ground sausage, but I had leftover zucchini one day...threw it in and I loved it. M on the other hand requested I never put it in again. So sad.<br /><br /><b>10. Do you make a “Sunday gravy” to use throughout the week or do you just open a jar of whatever and heat it up? (No judgment on this one!)</b><br />That would probably make more sense, but I'm more of an open up a jar kind of girl. At least for the base, adding herbs, onions & garlic along with the cream & wine from above makes it taste almost completely homemade.<br />
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In other news tomorrow I head on vacation to Kansas of all places. M went to college there so he's giving me a complete tour even with a football game. The weather's supposed to be way nicer than at home, so I plan to relax and enjoy. Now if I can only get everything done before we leave...that's a whole different ball game!Casshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13230001306972369011noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5949063381337366867.post-25845661960618971732011-10-05T11:58:00.000-07:002011-10-05T11:58:16.383-07:00Can the planners of the world please stand up?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">[<a href="http://weheartit.com/entry/4978426">source</a>] </span></div>
Do you think you're a planner out of necessity, because it's your nature or something else? I think I'm a little of the first two. In my job I'm an office manager. While the image of this is usually payroll or accounting...in my situation neither of these really apply. I work in a building that is probably 4-5 times the size for the people we have which means facilities management. I work with people who need a lot of hand holding. But most of all, I plan EVERYTHING. Office parties, moves, board meetings...you name it - I'm the glue. And the only way I can keep track of everything is a massive to-do list.<br /><br />But I'm also a planner in every day life. Whether I'm planning a vacation (especially coordinating with lots of friends), figuring out the menu for the week (yes, I write it all out) or scheduling things for the weekend it's what I do. But is it ALL I do? Am I a planner at home because I'm a planner at work? Or am I a planner at work because it's in my nature and I'm getting paid for something I do well?<br /><br />Sometimes it's exhausting. In my group of friends there's a lot of planner types and I will just step back and let them take the reins. Just tell me where to go, what to do and how much it's going to cost. I need to turn my brain off. Is it surprising I have anxiety?<br /><br />If there is any of you out there, please feel free to share your tips to make things run smoother or thoughts in general.Casshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13230001306972369011noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5949063381337366867.post-21760195472556757072011-08-02T10:11:00.000-07:002011-08-02T10:14:00.031-07:00Ten on TuesdayThere is a real post that I need to get around to making but I've been lazy and haven't transferred my photos to the computer. So in the meantime, let's play Ten on Tuesday courtesy of <a href="http://rootsandrings.com">Chelsea @ Roots & Rings</a> (questions by <a href="http://www.sarahdjohnson.com/">Sarah</a>).<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">1. Do you do laundry all at the same time or a load here and there?</span><br />I try to do laundry all at the same time, but ever since we started softball things have been off. Laundry day is usually softball day, so I get one load done (w/our shirts) and then hope I can get the rest done during the week.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">2. What kind of detergent do you use?</span><br />Costco's free & clear (Kirkland Signature). I have really sensitive skin, so most anything else makes me itch like crazy. M once attempted to be nice & do laundry but used the leftover soap he had from his house...let's just say he's doesn't do laundry anymore.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">3. Do you use fabric softener?</span><br />Nope, just go with the dryer sheets.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">4. Do you use dryer sheets?</span><br />See above, the Bounce free ones.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">5. Do you iron your own clothes or take them to a cleaner to get pressed?</span><br />I don't think I've ever taken my clothes to a cleaner to be pressed. Those items that are complicated to iron usually are dry cleaned anyway so it's a 2 for 1 deal. I kind of like ironing though, it's calming.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">6. Do you like heavy starch or light starch?</span><br />Light starch on a rare occasion. It seems silly, but I like it on my sheets if anything. I think the smell brings me back to my childhood.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">7. Do you wash all your laundry at once or separate it?</span><br />Separate it, definitely.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">8. How do you separate it? By people or by colors?</span><br />Colors & type. There's whites, bright colors, darks, jeans/sweats, dark or light work clothes (dress pants/sweaters), towels, sheets...I think that's it.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">9. What clothes get hung up and what goes in drawers?</span><br />Everything is hung up except basic tanks & tees.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">10. Do you use plastic, wire, or wooden hangers? Do they all match?</span><br />I use plastic white hangers. I think there's a few random ones thrown in that I haven't tossed yet, but I like it to match.Casshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13230001306972369011noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5949063381337366867.post-27686167475273494372011-07-01T15:03:00.000-07:002011-07-01T15:20:44.996-07:00Over it<div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqsFthFD3sHSauIYA9Hs3Iq99bWk0b-qs0X-mQpRhWT_NIMsEypER2mQGis_anqVe7SrFWAvt8WRZXT7LEMIgRGlzJE2ggCV9r1p92B76dTjx-kU2Sqq1Tr0Cp7bKo7Cq7M37uywz5vy8/s1600/pills.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 215px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 197px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5624511829043676274" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqsFthFD3sHSauIYA9Hs3Iq99bWk0b-qs0X-mQpRhWT_NIMsEypER2mQGis_anqVe7SrFWAvt8WRZXT7LEMIgRGlzJE2ggCV9r1p92B76dTjx-kU2Sqq1Tr0Cp7bKo7Cq7M37uywz5vy8/s320/pills.jpg" /></a> <a href="http://www.geninv.net/2010/09/herbal-medicine-scientifically-formulated-natural-remedies-medicine/"><span style="font-size:78%;">[via]</span></a></div><br /><div align="left">Over the last few months (aka since January) I've been suffering from chronic ear infections. Now the last time I had one of these things I was in elementary school, so to say I'm not amused is an understatement.<br /><br /></div><br /><p align="left">Because of these ear infections the doctors are always quick to give you antibiotics and send you on your way. This is all fine and dandy, until you've gone through 2-3 different antibiotics with your primary care person and then they throw their hands up and say "I don't know!" and send you to a specialist. </p><br /><div align="left"><br /><ul><br /><li>So I've been seeing the specialist for a few months (probably April). After a few more types of antibiotics (and supplementing with probiotics so my body doesn't freak out) I've learned a few things.</li><br /><br /><li>Probiotics only get you so far. Your body will do what it wants....period. </li><br /><br /><li>You will learn very quickly if you are allergic to something. Found out the hard way that I'm allergic to sulfa and then proceeded to freak out when someone told me they had the same allergy and also couldn't drink red wine because of it. </li></ul></div><br /><p>There is a horrible bacteria you can get if you take to many antibiotics. </p><br /><p>That last bullet point? SUCKS SO FREAKING MUCH. I started having problems last weekend (thank me because I will not do the TMI thing here) and by Wednesday I called the dr. thinking "hey, this probably isn't good and let's chat". The long and the short of it is they told me to get my butt to the emergency room as soon as I could...and by the way you can't drive yourself on the off chance you pass out. Woot. </p><br /><p>Luckily M came home a little early so we headed out...and sat waiting for about 45 mins because people kept coming in with more important things than mine. Despite the annoyance I guess a heart attack is a little more important. :-) 4 hours later I'm full of fluids and finishing off the finale of The Voice in a hospital bed, but I got to go home, so that's the most important part. Well, that and I was told I was highly contagious. </p><br /><p>So here I am, thankfully with a company that will let me work from home for a few days. Well, and alternating with cleaning the house from top to bottom because you don't want anyone else getting the stuff. But the weirdest thing of all? Using too many antibiotics gives you a horrible strain of bacteria that's cure is what? ANOTHER ANTIBIOTIC. </p><br /><p>What's worse, an antibiotic that doesn't let you have even a sip of alcohol. That's right, no wine, cough syrup or even certain mouthwashes because it could make your heart do crazy things. Thanks so much world, for giving me this for 4th of July weekend. Fan freakin' tastic. Well, that and the super bland diet I'm on right now. The only "spice" I'm allowed is salt, and salt is nasty. I've cheated a little, a tiny bit of salsa on my eggs & a little cheese on some pasta. </p><br /><p>I have to say, this is something I wouldn't wish on my worst enemy. Never felt so sick in many many years. But I'm on the mend, and headed to Seaside, OR for a few days. I've missed a good day at the beach. </p><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5624509192683843650" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxpaVfr6CGf5cy2lJteGBwhh04r0n52gU-1oGZL3hubk_tITrdginGfhIFjux6TmcXA4Tiygx_kGJIee_uUDkXSpOMy_pOB1vylN8NFFPTcLABdLqC9jzlj0CsnrdPTqitCKZbmLkp5Hc/s320/seaside.jpg" /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="http://www.beachhouse.com/blog/?p=566"><span style="font-size:78%;">[via]</span></a></div>Casshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13230001306972369011noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5949063381337366867.post-42522525530033789062011-05-25T14:50:00.001-07:002011-05-25T14:53:35.861-07:00Sneaking<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHCSp_-kkZWF3mlH2VZJPI2SEU0hA56C0uAzLSHGmVrBz6bNYeR2-IohGIiPvWkHaBrOp4CfC_WfL12OLQ_YAz7WGTfxLDocNVzklLhUSOriRjkbZJKkar8zJIiBtSGprD01K_QxR50hc/s1600/bridge.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 277px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHCSp_-kkZWF3mlH2VZJPI2SEU0hA56C0uAzLSHGmVrBz6bNYeR2-IohGIiPvWkHaBrOp4CfC_WfL12OLQ_YAz7WGTfxLDocNVzklLhUSOriRjkbZJKkar8zJIiBtSGprD01K_QxR50hc/s400/bridge.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5610774671780788818" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:78%;"><a href="http://weheartit.com/entry/10103342">[source]</a></span><br /></div>I'm feeling behind. Right now pretty much everything in my life is normal (at least my normal), but I have this sense of being just about 1 or 2 steps behind where I need to be. My internal to-do list (and my external one) keeps getting checked off, but it seems there's either too much on it or I just can't keep up.<br /><br />Like I should be popping a pill.<br /><br />I have anxiety, this has always been a constant. It got pretty bad a few years ago and I started taking medication, but after a mixture of that and trying to realize the reason behind my anxiety I've been able to control it...mostly. There's the occasional panic attack, my heart or head racing but I don't freak out anymore. I realize what it is and can make it though.<br /><br />What's tripping me up this time is that I don't have any of those symptoms, just the feeling of being behind. I have phone calls to make, emails to return, appointments to go to and tasks at work to complete. I have a 30th birthday sneaking up on me and I still don't know how I feel about that.<br /><br />Maybe I'm not ready. Turning 30 seems like you have all your shit together. You're responsible, an adult. Someone people look to for answers (both in business and personal). Am I there already? Am I just scared?<br /><br />I don't have the answers. But maybe this feeling will pass as quickly as it snuck up on me.Casshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13230001306972369011noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5949063381337366867.post-10644183190783315582011-04-27T14:51:00.000-07:002011-04-27T14:54:53.966-07:00Ten on Tuesday (but on Wednesday this time)I'm a little behind this week, sorry guys. Here's the <a href="http://rootsandrings.com">Ten on Tuesday</a>, love the questions.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">1. How many blogs do you read every day and what are they? (I’m talking the ones you NEVER miss)</span><br />My Google Reader has tons of blogs, but I don't read all of them daily. There's a couple places (Lifehacker,Oh No They Didn't etc) that have gobs of posts per day and not all of them are interesting. But for those personal blogs, food/wine blogs or crafty ones I read them all.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">2. How many “best friends” do you have? Do you have different “besties” for different areas of your life?</span><br />Can I be ooey, gooey, gushy for a minute? My best friend is M. He makes me happy, makes me laugh and understands all my little crazy parts and shares all of my life with me. But I do have one girl friend who I consider a best. Too many bests and it just dilutes the meaning.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">3. What’s your daily make up routine?</span><br />Moisturizer, primer, foundation, concealer,powder, blush & mascara. Sometimes (like today) I'll skip the foundation (I'm out until Friday) because it's during the week, but I try to step it up on weekend nights (ie: a touch of eye shadow).<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">4. What is your ideal girl’s night?</span><br />Wine, shopping, silly movies or video games and tons of gabbing. <br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">5. Do you keep up with your nails/toenails or are they au natural?</span><br />I'm trying to be better but mostly my nails go naked. My toes get painted sometimes but then maintaining the color is another ballgame. Plus with my nails the polish chips so fast it's not worth it. I've been hearing about that shellac manicure though, better bite the bullet and test it out.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">6. What’s your best roommate story (assuming you had a roommate at some point in your life)?</span><br />I've only had one roommate (outside of living w/family) and she is my best friend. Her biggest quirk was insisting we never turn the heat on. For someone who's always cold this obviously didn't go over well. We only lived together 3 months but I think that made our friendship survive. Plus, she's always said I've been her best roommate. :-)<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">7. What’s your “go to” outfit that you wear more than anything else?</span><br />Right now it's either dress slacks or skinny jeans (work or play) a tee w/a cardigan over it. I'm testing out this posture bra which comes up pretty high on the neckline so there's a limited # of styles I can wear. After the testing they'll rework it for the pretty factor but until then this has kind of become my uniform.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">8. Do you have a beauty secret?</span><br />Eating well I think is key. When you do this and get enough water your skin looks nicer. I don't always do this but I can tell a serious difference when I don't. Oh! And don't blow dry your hair every day.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">9. Did you read Seventeen magazine growing up?</span><br />Oh man, I loved this magazine. I remember starting around 14 but I was mostly looking for the quizzes and the outfits.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">10. How did you learn to put on makeup?</span><br />I think I mostly learned from magazines & a trip or two to the makeup counters. My mom would be the first one to let me know if it was too much, but I've never really worn that much to begin with.Casshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13230001306972369011noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5949063381337366867.post-36706668614230328492011-04-14T12:43:00.000-07:002011-04-14T12:49:36.823-07:00Show me your handwriting!I found this meme way of <a href="http://chibistruggles.blogspot.com/2011/04/write-your-heart-out.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+chibistruggles+%28Chibi+Jeebs+%26+The+Neurotic+Struggle%29">Chibi Jeebs</a> over at <a href="http://justoneanna.com/writing/can-we-read-your-handwriting">Just One Anna</a> and thought it was too fun to pass up. You write the following:<br /><ul><li>Write ‘Hello!’</li><li> Your name/blogger name</li><li> Your blog name/URL</li><li> Write ‘The quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog.’</li><li> Favorite quote?</li><li> A number</li><li> 5 words</li><li> Favorite music?</li><li> A really awesome website you read</li><li> Anything else you want to say?</li></ul>So here we go!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg408PPc68JF5HZZoXtEbxOLkXLUDt6XAt-WJSOX_VSgqQujm4StAt8MZ9wGtk7RY92d0bLBvnz_rq7EwHBeySoigLmLUOGAoz_GHx83I2LLmNkWrcOZU0W6TB1t6IVZ9nDbatWGPCGDts/s1600/handwriting.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 303px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg408PPc68JF5HZZoXtEbxOLkXLUDt6XAt-WJSOX_VSgqQujm4StAt8MZ9wGtk7RY92d0bLBvnz_rq7EwHBeySoigLmLUOGAoz_GHx83I2LLmNkWrcOZU0W6TB1t6IVZ9nDbatWGPCGDts/s400/handwriting.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5595528039452734754" border="0" /></a><br />I feel a little proud of myself since I only tried writing this one time (usually anything takes a few tries) and that I had my green pen handy. Anyone else super particular with their pens? I use the Pentel Energel series & now have my entire office using them.<br /><br />Let me know if you participate in this as well, getting to see someone's handwriting is almost as exciting when you see a pic of them for the first time.Casshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13230001306972369011noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5949063381337366867.post-84365920886672507452011-04-12T10:05:00.000-07:002011-04-12T10:08:33.507-07:00Ten on TuesdayI'm going to pretend I'm doing a little better here. Posting once every two weeks might actually eventually get me to my just now made up goal of posting once a week. Here's hoping!<br /><br /><a href="http://rootsandrings.com/"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Ten on Tuesday</span></a><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">1. If you work, do you drive to work or take public transportation?</span><br />I drive to work, usually 40 mins in the AM and 40-60 mins on the way home. I had a bad experience once on public transportation...so it's driving for me.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">2. How often do you get your haircut? Do you go to the same person every time?</span><br />I am in serious need of a haircut right now. I can easily go a year w/o getting my haircut (unless I have bangs) and try to go to the same person. Unfortunately my person left the salon & I need to find a new one, that stresses me out more than it should.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">3. Do you read the newspaper? If so, a hardcopy or the online version?</span><br />Sometimes on the weekend if it's available, but most of the time I get my news from Twitter. I subscribe to quite a few news outlets.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">4. What is the best book you have read this year?</span><br />Just Don't Call Me Ma'am by Anna Mitchael was pretty good, but a lot of the books I've read this year were re-reads.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">5. What is the best movie you have seen this year?</span><br />Oh man, I tend to forget what movies I've seen (especially theater ones). Let's go with Black Swan, although probably not the best one out this year the dancing was amazing.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">6. Do you tend to crave sweet or salty foods?</span><br />I crave both, but mostly sweet. My body usually tells me what it needs (cravings for veggies anyone?) so I try to listen. :-)<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">7. Do you eat breakfast every day? If so, what do you have?</span><br />I am horrible at eating breakfast every day. I wish I could, but most often it's a cup of coffee and MAYBE a yogurt on the weekdays. Weekends are another story, I LOVE weekend breakfasts.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">8. If you celebrate Easter, what Easter treat/candy are you most looking forward to?</span><br />Robins eggs are my favorite Easter candy, but my grandma makes lemon meringue pie once a year on Easter and it's the best pie ever. The only way you can get it other times of the year is if you request it for your birthday.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">9. How late is “sleeping in” to you?</span><br />I'd say around 10am, but M thinks the day is half over by that point. I'm lucky if I get to 9am if he's home, but we do go to bed early (9pm) so I still get a decent amount of sleep.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">10. Where are you going on your next vacation?</span><br />There were no plans for this year, but M mentioned Maui in November. I guess Kansas might be going to the basketball invitational and he wants to be there. Could be fun.Casshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13230001306972369011noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5949063381337366867.post-89469740869133448602011-03-29T11:45:00.000-07:002011-03-29T11:49:11.409-07:00Ten on TuesdayHi everyone. I know I have problems blogging on the regular so I'm hoping this will help me get back into the swing of things. Today I'm doing Ten on Tuesday from over at <a href="http://rootsandrings.com/">Roots & Rings</a> which is all about food this week. Couldn't resist. :-)<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">1. What is a food that you never thought you would try, but then tried and liked?</span><br />Brussel sprouts hands down. They came w/my meal at a restaurant one day and on a whim I tried them. They were amazing! From then on I've been on a kick to try things I've never had or foods I previously didn't like & now do. Broccoli & parsnips are other examples of it.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">2. Do you subscribe to any foodie publications? If so, which ones? </span><br />Does the <a href="http://www.thepioneerwoman.com">Pioneer Woman</a> count? I always knew about her site but never subscribed until recently. I get most my cooking related info from blogs I subscribe to and on occasion the Cooking Light website/magazine.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">3. What ingredient do you find yourself reaching for the most when you cook?</span><br />I'd probably say garlic or lemon pepper. Garlic gets put in most everything to give it a little punch up even though M's taste buds are pretty basic. Last weekend I made an amazing shallot lemon butter sauce and I found out later he's not big on lemon. Oops.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">4. Are there any foods that you hated as a child, but then learned to like as an adult?</span><br />See #1. Broccoli I hated when I was little, same with asparagus. Now I eat both and asparagus is one of my fav veggies. Our taste buds change as we age, so it's important to retry foods you never liked.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">5. What do you like to eat that others may consider weird?</span><br />I have a lot of eating habits that people find weird, but I don't think they're that big of a deal. Ranch as my goto condiment, blotting my tater tots/mexifries from Taco Time and half & half on my cereal are the main ones.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">6. What is the weirdest ingredient you’ve ever cooked with?</span><br />I'm still working on being an adventurous cook so I'd say lemon zest. <br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">7. Do you have any major food allergies?</span><br />Not like some people do. Nothing like strawberries, peanuts or shellfish. I have issues with anything with a lot of fat (fried foods) or green peppers but it's not like they're life threatening.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">8. Is there an ingredient that you would like to cook with, but are intimidated to try?</span><br />Maybe risotto or fish sauce? Or a couple different spices, cumin for example.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">9. Do you bake?</span><br />I am an excellent baker. Baking comes naturally to me since I love exact measurements and following recipes. I make a killer pie crust basically in my sleep even though most people think it's difficult.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">10. If you could go on any “foodie” show to compete, which one would it be, and why?</span><br />I am so not ready for a competition food show it's not even funny. I love shows like Hell's Kitchen, Top Chef or Iron Chef but I am light years away.Casshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13230001306972369011noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5949063381337366867.post-32256007361967945922010-12-22T20:50:00.000-08:002010-12-22T20:57:43.560-08:00It's beginning to look a lot like....crazy Christmas days....I should be blogging. I mean, that's why I have a blog, right? To post entries, whether they be an account of my day, a funny story, needing advice or something else. And here I am with a self imposed hiatus in which I didn't even really know I did it.<br /><br />It's nothing personal, and I bet 90% of you didn't even notice. That's perfectly fine, despite my viewpoint sometimes not EVERYTHING is about me. :-) But life has been a little topsy turvy over the last month or so. When we last left off I was choosing a new dress for a wedding we went to. The problem here is that most pics of me were not taken w/my camera so I can't show you the final result. There is this one though, taken a little too close and it makes my arms look huge, but there you go.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSdGhNyGlhIODt12upgSrSreCwyy2VcgEqyoC71YiJJsUKK4sGGtBAMbj3LWGC153WGw9-8EjfvBxjne0dYH1PN6_7XwKKKtyhFyiyI5dAQACe8d-2xy226pA6f5-MizD-NyiiJxzotuo/s1600/christawedding.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSdGhNyGlhIODt12upgSrSreCwyy2VcgEqyoC71YiJJsUKK4sGGtBAMbj3LWGC153WGw9-8EjfvBxjne0dYH1PN6_7XwKKKtyhFyiyI5dAQACe8d-2xy226pA6f5-MizD-NyiiJxzotuo/s320/christawedding.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5553735858144147698" border="0" /></a>We had an amazing time, boogied on the dance floor and managed to get into a fight over trying to find the hotel. Seriously, the two of us + two different GPS systems does not = a good time. But once we arrived to the hotel we were fine.<br /><br />//<br /><br />We did manage to finally have our housewarming party, this would be the biggest reason for my absence. Who knew throwing a housewarming party in the 1st week of December would be so much work? This means getting all your holiday decorations up before the party (minus the tree) and right after getting home from Mexico. I took off the week after our Thanksgiving vacation to prep for the party and that's probably the smartest idea I've had in a while. More and more people RSVP'd, and I think the final count was around 40 people. I ran around like a chicken with my head cut off for a while but I think the end results came out nicely.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-aLqCBwAwPoH1GxwZ9jK3kWvHyFFu-bF8Q7tOLg4Vr8oZddqYEiKyONaTN6DAT5NtiMzzR5O-s_88IS9f80GrD0n3NPY17-2B_9sfp3_QoyF4Rn4HWDP_0WgAyWXpPA6eWO71pCjs8IA/s1600/017.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-aLqCBwAwPoH1GxwZ9jK3kWvHyFFu-bF8Q7tOLg4Vr8oZddqYEiKyONaTN6DAT5NtiMzzR5O-s_88IS9f80GrD0n3NPY17-2B_9sfp3_QoyF4Rn4HWDP_0WgAyWXpPA6eWO71pCjs8IA/s320/017.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5553736089739936770" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;">Our staircase</span><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_g5W2KaKN2cPfTG3Xw-1ws6Hv_j7hI0VU0yZ8uQ_TBv-0v1a6Z3FikMCK7rz16FjWblpFkKcbt8ySXUJtUuz_8k_N-DmLXnrc_DUc6V0TmVwLhPbGCHF9cMvxLGML00k8hvvALYbHypg/s1600/019.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_g5W2KaKN2cPfTG3Xw-1ws6Hv_j7hI0VU0yZ8uQ_TBv-0v1a6Z3FikMCK7rz16FjWblpFkKcbt8ySXUJtUuz_8k_N-DmLXnrc_DUc6V0TmVwLhPbGCHF9cMvxLGML00k8hvvALYbHypg/s320/019.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5553736294713533826" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;">The front room fireplace</span><br /></div><br />Then of course we started prepping for Christmas. There was oodles of shopping every weekend (in the far early morning). Am I the only one who hates shopping during Christmas time? There are too many people around and I tend to lose it. The only way M got me out an about to some of the more popular spots is because we showed up right when the place opened.<br /><br />But on top of this I had to organize our company holiday party, the white elephant gift exchange (because it wouldn't make sense to have them at the same time) and then surprise! I realized I had not finished all the knitting I promise people every year. Now I'm a knitting machine and freaking out over the time left.<br /><br />//<br /><br />M has left for his family house today for Christmas since despite our long term status we're not married and do not share our holidays. I'll head up to my family's tomorrow and I'll attempt not to strangle anyone. Something about being around your family brings that out of people. :-)<br /><br />But before M left, we had our own Christmas on Tuesday. We toured the new neighborhood looking for holiday lights and even went through the other close neighborhoods where we almost bought houses seeing if theirs were more festive. The verdict being that some of them were better, but ours is pretty good for a first year decorating project. Next year expect better things from us. Hehe.<br /><br />But we exchanged gifts before we went to bed. M got me this <a href="http://www.potterybarn.com/products/treble-clef-object/?pkey=e%7Ctreble%7C0%7Cbest%7C0%7C1%7C24%7C%7C2&cm_src=NLASEARCH%7C%7CNoFacet-_-NoFacet-_-NLA_Feature_Marketing_Rule-_-">treble clef </a>from Pottery Barn I had been eyeing a few weeks back along with this <a href="http://www.wineenthusiast.com/wine-labels-serving-tray.asp">wine label serving tray</a> since I've been saving labels pretty much since we started dating. The best part though were the "santa" gifts. Although there were a few nice things in my stocking (pedometer, candy etc) Santa brought me this gorgeous piece of machinery!!!:<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvJrirtxJdi5DcE7OeUmORcNo0pQbvQoepHSHykIzjLIDl9DcQah3WY8aNEeMBnBIBdK9OMhnlStXNES_sCiocgvcb3CJ7g8_9SbSfdc2U6ml1XHNKOCVZVZrVGhX8fc2UHftBR08828U/s1600/img92m.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 256px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvJrirtxJdi5DcE7OeUmORcNo0pQbvQoepHSHykIzjLIDl9DcQah3WY8aNEeMBnBIBdK9OMhnlStXNES_sCiocgvcb3CJ7g8_9SbSfdc2U6ml1XHNKOCVZVZrVGhX8fc2UHftBR08828U/s320/img92m.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5553736545545201026" border="0" /></a>It's the Kitchen Aid professional stand mixer (in empire red) that I've been coveting for the longest time. Apparently he bought it before I even officially put it on my Christmas list. I cannot wait until I get to use the thing, although I've already put it up in the kitchen. I feel like it needs a name, but nothing stands out as of yet.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Now since everyone is busy with holiday festivities...what is your favorite part? And what stresses you out the most?</span>Casshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13230001306972369011noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5949063381337366867.post-87054093415776608852010-11-05T15:24:00.000-07:002010-11-05T15:26:06.333-07:00If I knew then what I know now...Tweetyour16yearoldselfI don't usually get into the trending topics on Twitter, but this latest one "tweetyour16yearoldself" struck a little bit of a chord with me. When I was 16, I kind of had life by the horns. Of course at the time I didn't know it, but then again that's when things were more simple. Here were some of the things I wish my 16-year old self knew:<br /><br /><ul><li>That itch you had to break up? Listen to it & do it when you're still calling the shots. </li><li>All that self-confidence you had? Try like hell to keep it as you get older. </li><li>The tweezers is your friend, the Brooke Shield's look is OVER.</li></ul><br />And most importantly:<br /><br /><ul><li>Spend more time w/g. gma, & pay better attention when she teaches you how to knit...again.</li></ul><br />I wish I had listened to my g. gma more when I was 16. I was too busy being a social butterfly and rolling my eyes when she had something to tell me. It wasn't until soon before her death that I really let the knitting & crocheting instructions sink into my head and I'm forever happy it did.<br /><br />What should you say to your 16-year old self?Casshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13230001306972369011noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5949063381337366867.post-30013068905332442262010-10-22T11:22:00.000-07:002010-10-22T11:28:23.275-07:00Victoria's Secret, I'm sorry but my breasts are not that big.To continue where we left off, last weekend I went shopping for dresses for tonight's wedding. As usual I felt a little like goldilocks, things either didn't fit right or in person they didn't have the same appeal. I found one dress that I put on hold, a little black sparkly number (and yet not one of the ones I showed previously) that definitely had the ability to be worn again. But there was something about it that didn't have me super excited like I should be.<br /><br />So I headed downstairs to yet ANOTHER dress department in Nordstrom. Seriously, how many departments do they need? I always get turned around there. Anyway...this is where I found THE DRESS.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZb_d_BRNGfqNncZrH3Pc_F2uhbEYqa20MEprbpagQPzz0m3-s8_Zpz4ml7b1hQj_sValDIz19uem5ZhPL-3FVcRv5jIFh89ilvcxiLyYMOC_dCJmLPOjkJ7z6Pw3hQsbq5ZzpMyyM70g/s1600/0409681802635R__ASTL_300x400.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZb_d_BRNGfqNncZrH3Pc_F2uhbEYqa20MEprbpagQPzz0m3-s8_Zpz4ml7b1hQj_sValDIz19uem5ZhPL-3FVcRv5jIFh89ilvcxiLyYMOC_dCJmLPOjkJ7z6Pw3hQsbq5ZzpMyyM70g/s320/0409681802635R__ASTL_300x400.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5530937760619104146" border="0" /></a>This is the one, but my dress is in navy. I put it on and at first it seemed a little bland to me, but M was convinced this was it. That's when I figured it out...it was too long. The designer (Mark & James by Badgley Mischka) thinks every woman is 6 feet tall so it was hitting my knees. A quick call to the alterations department had the hem ready to be shortened and a little tuck at the zipper and we were good to go. You know, until I saw the price tag. Cue eyes bulging and a slight amount of hyperventalating until I calmed myself down. I remembered I had a large gift card that would bring it down to reasonable levels. Thank goodness for that. Pair the dress with some strappy silver heels and some purply nail polish on my toes and I'm good to go.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMwfOxavXjtK9VqEl5F0qX2ey_wpORKg4tNbnFL8BPATQHBr9ERJsZJw4fatJTiZeIJvEjiFPdSQXEqzFJ9ixZbfbBHjk9aCcOhCJbgJ26LVaKC7zRrrNi51UB0kpdPN4jcHXVET-TrmM/s1600/350__1_meet-me-on-the-star-ferry.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 250px; height: 250px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMwfOxavXjtK9VqEl5F0qX2ey_wpORKg4tNbnFL8BPATQHBr9ERJsZJw4fatJTiZeIJvEjiFPdSQXEqzFJ9ixZbfbBHjk9aCcOhCJbgJ26LVaKC7zRrrNi51UB0kpdPN4jcHXVET-TrmM/s320/350__1_meet-me-on-the-star-ferry.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5530937988139204594" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:78%;">It's actually darker purple than this.<br /><br /></span></div>I went to pick it back up on Wednesday when the alterations were done and at the same time needed to pick up a new strapless bra. This is where I decided the only thing worse than shopping for new jeans is a new bra. I know some people say bathing suits, but this was just lame.<br /><br />Confidential: my breasts are not any kind of crazy size. I've had small ones for most of my life and can go braless no problem. Last year or so I gained a little bit of weight and I went up to a 34B and I was happy. Normal sized boobs.<br /><br />Logically when I started shopping and a sales girl came over I told her 34B, right? I grab a couple different ones, heading into the dressing room and surprise! None of them fit right. Some the band was too small (hello weight), some the cups were overflowing. The poor sales girl comes to check on me and I'm babbling like an idiot stating "either my boobs grew or these sizes are crazy!" She wants to measure me just to make sure. Cue sighs on my end.<br /><br />"Your band size is right, but I think you need a bigger cup size. Let me get you a C"<br /><br />*blinks*<br /><br />Umm...ok.<br /><br />Surprisingly these fit like a glove. Maybe my boobs grew?<br /><br />I pick a bra and head to pay and thankfully it's less than the dress. But no, I'm not done feeling crappy. I head over to Victoria's Secret.<br /><br />Victoria's Secret normally isn't so bad. Most the bras I buy are from there and they're comfy plus kind of cute/sexy depending on what I'm wearing that day. So I thought, "hey, I saw a pink cheetah strapless online, let's try that on".<br /><br />I start the process again. Talk to the sales girl, she wants to size me and says I'm a 34B. Let's go to the dressing room.<br /><br />Surprise! This one doesn't fit. Salesgirl gives me the next cup size up.<br /><br />Double surprise! This one doesn't really fit either. Band size is fine, but that little bit between your breasts is far enough out that I can put a few pencils in there.<br /><br />Me: "Umm...I don't think this fits either".<br /><br />Salesgirl: "No way, it fits perfectly."<br /><br />Me: "Do you see this" *points*<br /><br />Salesgirl: "Oh, it's supposed to be like that."<br /><br />NO IT IS NOT!<br /><br />Me: "Hmm, I think I need to think about this a little more."<br /><br />*walks out*<br /><br />*end scene*<br /><br />There was no way I was going to buy a 34D - and if you've seen me you'd know there's no way in hell my boobs are that big. Thanks Victoria's Secret for making me feel fat.<br /><br />But on another note...I hope to have wedding pics soon enough. We head up tonight, should be fun!Casshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13230001306972369011noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5949063381337366867.post-67647667708729095872010-10-15T11:11:00.000-07:002010-10-15T11:21:37.184-07:00This girl needs a little fashion helpThere are times when a girl just needs a shopping partner. Unfortunately I'm going solo on Sunday so maybe you guys might be able to help? I have a wedding next Friday for one of my girlfriends and I have a few dresses I'll be searching for when I head to Nordstrom.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8N6rhjNHHAb68P8x8YDz3-3Y8jvsVzz4yIgC1h_skmBd-6r8L6ZkPRkJXHBrN0yitvN2zNX7wg6ozFDfrOJUcjhDBerZANkDaNoUVJYhypo0f24MXv8HzlpfpdOYvjJ9lScRQmpWYb2A/s1600/_5910413.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 209px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8N6rhjNHHAb68P8x8YDz3-3Y8jvsVzz4yIgC1h_skmBd-6r8L6ZkPRkJXHBrN0yitvN2zNX7wg6ozFDfrOJUcjhDBerZANkDaNoUVJYhypo0f24MXv8HzlpfpdOYvjJ9lScRQmpWYb2A/s320/_5910413.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5528337247410477314" border="0" /></a>There's this little navy number. Classy with a little bit of fun beading around the waist. I think it's made out of shatung.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQTCUsnEgjKRkf9k9mb_xdvBGwgTX2i2tqFxWT0b6aAyT-aMl7KkVj_hE_jFWlu7hrcUhIqo16frdd9W65mf3kTiS2yqwqoWAfSRmqPu2DYe7YKyb_2UhyqQr7J_hn_xppefLua6UYVlw/s1600/_6219032.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 209px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQTCUsnEgjKRkf9k9mb_xdvBGwgTX2i2tqFxWT0b6aAyT-aMl7KkVj_hE_jFWlu7hrcUhIqo16frdd9W65mf3kTiS2yqwqoWAfSRmqPu2DYe7YKyb_2UhyqQr7J_hn_xppefLua6UYVlw/s320/_6219032.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5528337458757358898" border="0" /></a>This grey/black sparkly dress caught my eye in the catalog. Sassy and could be worn many times over throughout the holidays. It's the spendiest of them all but I do have a pretty good gift card to put down as well.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiFzZSSm4mef3-zto_XYXYsbbf7dnERdx4qIk1MF5u1KzW8IX6opM-5RY_8i-BnpnOdYQt4z1gIeu-QnXFAYUvuhe0EN2Joar5iIw4l5X08fynIfZ2hsKmWECYe-3FzX06D8O_iJ5p63M/s1600/_6223679.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 209px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiFzZSSm4mef3-zto_XYXYsbbf7dnERdx4qIk1MF5u1KzW8IX6opM-5RY_8i-BnpnOdYQt4z1gIeu-QnXFAYUvuhe0EN2Joar5iIw4l5X08fynIfZ2hsKmWECYe-3FzX06D8O_iJ5p63M/s320/_6223679.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5528337792125181794" border="0" /></a>Classic black with a bow at the waist and a little sparkle on the bottom.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrz-8OzjduwL6LugP49ZJIMb7XGxCuCzsZalHn6EDwh6hVbFIDTzwyCZZ2nQzCukNAXK4DJEu0Xgt_SOfV_Ia4yyqZCaaKIZ7HsyrBUSqE1uRiQJZ-csG2emfxzZL0wm5C7v5pnWxp6aU/s1600/_6225545.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 209px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrz-8OzjduwL6LugP49ZJIMb7XGxCuCzsZalHn6EDwh6hVbFIDTzwyCZZ2nQzCukNAXK4DJEu0Xgt_SOfV_Ia4yyqZCaaKIZ7HsyrBUSqE1uRiQJZ-csG2emfxzZL0wm5C7v5pnWxp6aU/s320/_6225545.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5528338013211746658" border="0" /></a>Another classic black dress but with little ruffles all over. Could be used for all kinds of occasions.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiHLZesDyKRaTXm9P8C52kThBbmhDlrwKq_uPBd3_oMBK3c8K6k2-GFKXsy3yQlCB5HxuICZQS3r9e99UGVky5b781WNAX9vdUvlTAKwvCJbOraRAzu_4xroZg4Ys7OzhQOOykkhVmcZ8/s1600/_6240558.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 209px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiHLZesDyKRaTXm9P8C52kThBbmhDlrwKq_uPBd3_oMBK3c8K6k2-GFKXsy3yQlCB5HxuICZQS3r9e99UGVky5b781WNAX9vdUvlTAKwvCJbOraRAzu_4xroZg4Ys7OzhQOOykkhVmcZ8/s320/_6240558.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5528338198952035522" border="0" /></a>Pretty in pink, very soft & feminine. Romantic, wedding & all.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzys0FfY0WhmxqcsJXI3OST9h-E0jYb4s0-3Qsg6CeAEHk-B30EBsFGTgqI1A70umlBitpbY-VN4l1cRhlCYFQVD_cP_P1HnhaXs8AUJn-BRYuhfT3wocL20vJkb99HrVJPP3ltWq26aA/s1600/_6241002.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 209px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzys0FfY0WhmxqcsJXI3OST9h-E0jYb4s0-3Qsg6CeAEHk-B30EBsFGTgqI1A70umlBitpbY-VN4l1cRhlCYFQVD_cP_P1HnhaXs8AUJn-BRYuhfT3wocL20vJkb99HrVJPP3ltWq26aA/s320/_6241002.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5528338392320556354" border="0" /></a>Hello silver! I like the style of this dress, also have one in this style but casual & super colorful.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6455wM2JHVf77V9vkdlTSuJoS_jE8s25TQivMLfSNBpB9Thev9HbyKqFuqAAquHrMclRpBmWqbi2Z5gYe63mRa4HEKYFghfbeMfnWof2k4_vZn3Tr0jIMKVxsuvdriC5xaSeCqt6nzQk/s1600/_6243937.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 209px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6455wM2JHVf77V9vkdlTSuJoS_jE8s25TQivMLfSNBpB9Thev9HbyKqFuqAAquHrMclRpBmWqbi2Z5gYe63mRa4HEKYFghfbeMfnWof2k4_vZn3Tr0jIMKVxsuvdriC5xaSeCqt6nzQk/s320/_6243937.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5528338646859719250" border="0" /></a>I think the coloring of this dress could look good on my super pale skin. The way it gathers might hide imperfections as well.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuHDI5VtYgnzQbkUUzIIN1UmH27vq5Nq4hund-FqjZOzpTUubrJlx0A5gzC3xRYjnZTki0ueue3wlz5OTlgjGb70sHqC9F6s9StXwACCsg7G7qaFmNB7y1yozFv47aR4Rutdu7HCzQ1kI/s1600/_6245471.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 209px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuHDI5VtYgnzQbkUUzIIN1UmH27vq5Nq4hund-FqjZOzpTUubrJlx0A5gzC3xRYjnZTki0ueue3wlz5OTlgjGb70sHqC9F6s9StXwACCsg7G7qaFmNB7y1yozFv47aR4Rutdu7HCzQ1kI/s320/_6245471.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5528338893000114882" border="0" /></a>For something completely different, the beading on top is beautiful. It might be a little shapeless, but flowy. I'm not entirely sure.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcCwBifozkD7b1e_XEU8aXHJvMkokr-vzM_uAl851gRlZchKURrfGbyIEAwtna9HaRgx8yyYKPW0zti_fVYCQOMS2GDQ8wqGUSngcW0zNdVE36CfmqaUaBvfJV356tmkXgUxWPH4KOvrA/s1600/_6247144.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 209px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcCwBifozkD7b1e_XEU8aXHJvMkokr-vzM_uAl851gRlZchKURrfGbyIEAwtna9HaRgx8yyYKPW0zti_fVYCQOMS2GDQ8wqGUSngcW0zNdVE36CfmqaUaBvfJV356tmkXgUxWPH4KOvrA/s320/_6247144.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5528339081248217954" border="0" /></a>Another classic black, do you see a theme? But all the sparkly lines might be fun.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifwb_OblSkGI-SHLHdadi0HuQkT8hZjU6cxPxNhq-zmtc-mkDchCLvIL6ERubC5k5_PpfcgmWBkJUEtLMT5PJJHpi6JmjjNs2VZ1-UHGRwhbcDW1vvkeRv9kDVCau167Ad1rODli1G9Js/s1600/expressdress.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 292px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifwb_OblSkGI-SHLHdadi0HuQkT8hZjU6cxPxNhq-zmtc-mkDchCLvIL6ERubC5k5_PpfcgmWBkJUEtLMT5PJJHpi6JmjjNs2VZ1-UHGRwhbcDW1vvkeRv9kDVCau167Ad1rODli1G9Js/s320/expressdress.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5528339248591202514" border="0" /></a>Finally, for something a little crazy...over at Express.<br /><br />Help me out fashion experts, I'm going in blind on Sunday.<br /></div>Casshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13230001306972369011noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5949063381337366867.post-744401464575277162010-10-11T15:18:00.001-07:002010-10-11T15:25:40.298-07:00Home is where...you eventually decide on furniture.It's been far too long since my last post, I apologize for that. It doesn't seem like much, but the things that have been going on in the last month have kind of flipped my entire world upside down.<br /><br />M and I moved into the house on September 11th and despite the ominous significance of that date it's gone very well. Not only were we moving into a new place, this was the first time we have lived together. Up until then we would stay together every night, alternating the location (his apt or mine) but this is a bit of an adjustment. Not necessarily a bad adjustment, but an adjustment no matter what.<br /><br />Things are good between us.There are little things that drive me & him crazy, like where he insists all our boxes need to be unpacked within a month of our move-in date. Or how the counter is always sticky because I missed a spot. Or that I can't quite figure out when to watch the TV shows on the DVR that he has no interest in. But considering these are the main issues we have I think we're doing pretty well. Everything revolves around this house right now, which is why I can't find time to blog. I haven't really had my laptop up when I'm sitting on the couch.<br /><br />There's all kinds of expenses as well, you don't think about these when you're planning. Or is that just me? We needed a lawn mower...then a new TV. A bedroom set and couch are on the list to purchase sometime soon. And down the line we'd like to redo the deck and eventually the kitchen cabinets. Whoever said that houses are money pits was definitely correct.<br /><br />However I am looking forward to decorating. There's a little bit of friction between the two of us because we don't have the same styles, and trying to find a common theme is difficult. We need to figure out paint colors because despite the "move-in ready" status I cannot live in 32487 shades of brown. But the promise of ideas has me content until we take the plunge.<br /><br />Same thing with pets. We will get them when we're ready. I say I'm ready right now but M insists at least our boxes should be unpacked before we do so. Plus, we have some stand-in pets for now. Fred & Ginger are tree frogs that hang out on our front door/window.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:78%;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXVGEJ3TxllWlBpsEXDpBnJHTopBCRRvWVWGDYw123scZMGV71gLa3w6mgy3YfoWx-qrUDp6bveHlrF6aGZwOdIhNuYMpY8Z3XythwUrn_eZajAUZeAxiKxDTi2xb7foTwEbdcUb5paRg/s1600/169149350.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXVGEJ3TxllWlBpsEXDpBnJHTopBCRRvWVWGDYw123scZMGV71gLa3w6mgy3YfoWx-qrUDp6bveHlrF6aGZwOdIhNuYMpY8Z3XythwUrn_eZajAUZeAxiKxDTi2xb7foTwEbdcUb5paRg/s320/169149350.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5526916548757084498" border="0" /></a></span><span style="font-size:78%;">Ginger</span><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:78%;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYhljTIqvJmpRAB3IrL1r3h_VIjQP_vWRtbmD59jjGc3iJoTViIoIJ4sN3ys8O9l4UBo34NdOLsPDxPpKroD4YGYXNf-h8TjT5MtjR_sE6aOiyDqENfNrXR_-XePiUl9f7TysVGZHjhwQ/s1600/164398631.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYhljTIqvJmpRAB3IrL1r3h_VIjQP_vWRtbmD59jjGc3iJoTViIoIJ4sN3ys8O9l4UBo34NdOLsPDxPpKroD4YGYXNf-h8TjT5MtjR_sE6aOiyDqENfNrXR_-XePiUl9f7TysVGZHjhwQ/s320/164398631.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5526916487961003826" border="0" /></a></span><span style="font-size:78%;">Fred</span><br /></div>And this weekend I realized we have a woodpecker marking his territory. The damn thing pecks not more than 3 feet from my head outside on the gutters. Research shows unfortunately that I can't just buy a shotgun and shoot the thing because they are protected. But there's a few solutions that might work. Most of them sound crazy but hopefully we'll get it right on the first try.Casshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13230001306972369011noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5949063381337366867.post-46640351503178196562010-09-10T15:05:00.001-07:002010-09-10T15:08:22.990-07:00Leave the drama for your mommaLast I mentioned about the house was that the inspection was coming up, so let's just fast forward and say it passed. It actually passed with pretty flying colors which is a major plus. The problem now is that moving day has come up super fast and we will be fully in the house tomorrow afternoon. Am I ready? Of course not. Packing is kicking my butt and all the stress that goes along with it.<br /><br />A lot of the things I have in my apartment are from my great grandmother's house. She passed away a few years ago and to this day it's still hard. She was like a 2nd mother to me, and I lived with her until she died. So when I moved out I took a lot of stuff with me because I had such an emotional attachment to everything. Things that I didn't even particularly love, things that I found to be ugly, whatever. They all stayed with me because I couldn't part with them. But I am determined to get rid of a good chunk of them...the Goodwill will appreciate them and they'll go to a good home. At least that's what I thought when I started. Last night after every glass I wrapped up I found myself sobbing. Grief hits you in the strangest of ways, no matter how long it's been since you lost someone.<br /><br />It doesn't help either that I've been under significant stress. Moving stresses me enough, but my family is bringing the drama as well. It's all well intentioned, but my mother & grandmother are freaking out because M and I are moving in together and I don't have a ring on my finger. I know it's old fashioned and I know they are just being momma bears protecting their most precious cub of the family...but it's driving me crazy. I know he has plans and engagement will happen when we're ready for it but in the meantime I don't appreciate feeling like I'm openly defying their wishes. I swear, best intentions drama is the worst kind.<br /><br />But you know what almost makes this all worth while? This pantry.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2EdlUqeK732ykbZkgK1LxQOY49USTrYy1JQ4HWjPv9mGUehCh0HPZA06zasIcJ6gl3pE9wiyWiYBL1xBAKxVZSHlDzI7UR5KikrEIKtniBTBJ3Vc6KdNj7OiW8eE-kIvobx4qe6UGOQI/s1600/Pantry.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2EdlUqeK732ykbZkgK1LxQOY49USTrYy1JQ4HWjPv9mGUehCh0HPZA06zasIcJ6gl3pE9wiyWiYBL1xBAKxVZSHlDzI7UR5KikrEIKtniBTBJ3Vc6KdNj7OiW8eE-kIvobx4qe6UGOQI/s320/Pantry.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5515409467318994418" border="0" /></a>I'm so excited to organize this thing, OCD tendencies FTW!Casshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13230001306972369011noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5949063381337366867.post-80816861528470040322010-08-06T15:56:00.000-07:002010-08-06T16:06:54.719-07:00"If a June night could talk, it would probably boast it invented romance." -Bern Williams<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkFNXPS7GvY2CLKFqjrqOGDJUEauIC2OW6ZLwIcGN9Fm2l8ZP7fgLHIfqD1j7CUNlhlvJktXldL5HmYxPnLi8zZp4X_LcbiwbrpFSZgkTQkqVPqcipRW27Dm-hgLKDTK3z50if4jzw6F4/s1600/iced-tea.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 317px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkFNXPS7GvY2CLKFqjrqOGDJUEauIC2OW6ZLwIcGN9Fm2l8ZP7fgLHIfqD1j7CUNlhlvJktXldL5HmYxPnLi8zZp4X_LcbiwbrpFSZgkTQkqVPqcipRW27Dm-hgLKDTK3z50if4jzw6F4/s320/iced-tea.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5502435667690777746" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">Summertime is...</span><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Corn on the cob</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Floating in the lake / Sitting by the pool</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Strawberries & blueberries</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">BBQs</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Vacations</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Iced tea</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">and most of all....BIRTHDAYS.</span><br /></div><br />I don't know about you and your family/friends, but summer is called "the season of going broke" in our family because of the sheer number of birthdays. It starts in June and doesn't end until September, and until the last few years we used to have a party pretty much every weekend. It's a little exhausting.<br /><br />But my birthday in particular, is very significant. July 23rd, is home to birthdays for two different great uncles, a step-grandmother, M's new niece and myself. I welcome M's niece w/open arms because this is a pretty special day to be born. :-)<br /><br />This year the day was pretty packed. I made the executive decision to work that Friday and we had a BBQ at the office. In addition one of my coworkers made me angel food cake with berries & whipped cream because she knew how much I enjoy it. I was able to cut out a little early and head to the hospital with M to see the new addition to his family. She's beautiful and healthy and absolutely perfect.<br /><br />Of course we needed to cut our visit a little short because we had plans to go to dinner that night at <a href="http://www.johnhowiesteak.com">John Howie Steakhouse</a>. If you live in the Seattle-area you've probably heard of the new mall area called the Bravern, it's home to such famous stores as Hermes, Anthropologie, Jimmy Choo as well as many other high end stores. But what's special about chef John Howie is that he already has an awesome restaurant called <a href="http://seastarrestaurant.com">Seastar Restaurant & Raw Bar</a>. I have been to the steakhouse once for happy hour and their happy hour food is tops.<br /><br />We decided to check out their full menu this time and they definitely did not disappoint. But the best part? M totally surprised me! We had planned to go (just the two of us) and when we checked in they told us some of our party were waiting in the bar. Turns out he invited a bunch of our friends! He can never keep secrets from me so I was so thrilled.<br /><br />The following weekend was my grandfather's & brother's birthdays, so we celebrated with brunch on Sunday for my grandfather and dinner the next night at this tiny Mexican joint that my little brother loves. Thankfully this weekend will be a little quieter, we have a pass until the next one. Instead we're headed to a Mariner's game on Saturday and out to <a href="http://www.seafair.com">Seafair</a> on Sunday. Please wish us luck that it doesn't rain like it's supposed to this weekend, Seafair is much more fun when it's not raining.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">So tell me...what are your big plans this weekend? And most importantly, what signals to you that it's summer?</span>Casshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13230001306972369011noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5949063381337366867.post-58894935031324743792010-07-23T10:40:00.000-07:002010-07-23T10:48:39.858-07:00They say it's your bday (HIATUS)<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-VTjVO-CzN8t5Dn1uvJLlWGLfrJd74ya80gwi5v1MNVfgT-GRXwgheFGr8BznftKUwOdaFQog0sOQQK3ObN5uNlx8ntDk-OcmBUaMCLmxNFhGLQtF3yQGI0JkpM6AVmwP8HzGqFBfwkQ/s1600/cupcake-birthday-cake.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-VTjVO-CzN8t5Dn1uvJLlWGLfrJd74ya80gwi5v1MNVfgT-GRXwgheFGr8BznftKUwOdaFQog0sOQQK3ObN5uNlx8ntDk-OcmBUaMCLmxNFhGLQtF3yQGI0JkpM6AVmwP8HzGqFBfwkQ/s320/cupcake-birthday-cake.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5497158061287480306" border="0" /></a>Hi everyone! I'm taking a quick hiatus because there's some craziness going on in my neck of the woods. Today is my birthday along with the arrival of M's sister's new baby so there is plenty of celebrating to go around. Tomorrow we're headed up to the lake for a day of relaxation that cannot come fast enough.<br /><br />Oh! You know the house hunting from the last post?!?! We picked one!!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZCW7Lw1WR9o90neBzJZtTwimpzwyy-ntu7iMJj5vrfms5n1HfGV9VUrLYhTXLUR5h1Ydyjd99L5X6cQPjs3WqA1ua5XXYMjHMm4JNfAqeGig629f4yGhgGe4G_vzc378wcg6DIGR2mfY/s1600/house.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZCW7Lw1WR9o90neBzJZtTwimpzwyy-ntu7iMJj5vrfms5n1HfGV9VUrLYhTXLUR5h1Ydyjd99L5X6cQPjs3WqA1ua5XXYMjHMm4JNfAqeGig629f4yGhgGe4G_vzc378wcg6DIGR2mfY/s320/house.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5497158991521925554" border="0" /></a>I am so excited. The inspection is on Monday so if everyone can please cross their fingers that all goes well I would appreciate it. If/when that's finished the closing date is Aug. 25th.<br /><br />Have a fantastic weekend everyone, I'll be back soon!Casshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13230001306972369011noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5949063381337366867.post-52652376140711622812010-07-19T16:25:00.000-07:002010-07-19T21:22:32.959-07:00Moving up...eventually<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio0poHcVw90eetTMmw59BEzGvyhP15oMLpdZ_kmeegX60DjIM2rvDrfgav6yrlYADzu5F5rl1Y_Lfwxb2zji2YJnJYxb4xp4G3ALMdpgQZAGXtIHy_7C6gJYNm3NR-VEsWRij-llaZqbU/s1600/homedream.png"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 295px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio0poHcVw90eetTMmw59BEzGvyhP15oMLpdZ_kmeegX60DjIM2rvDrfgav6yrlYADzu5F5rl1Y_Lfwxb2zji2YJnJYxb4xp4G3ALMdpgQZAGXtIHy_7C6gJYNm3NR-VEsWRij-llaZqbU/s320/homedream.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5495762651879993730" border="0" /></a>I have to say, house hunting is an exhausting process. In my last post I mentioned how we've been looking since October. We were prepared and did a lot of research, even pinpointing the city and neighborhoods we'd love to put down roots. But trying to make this happen is a whole different ballgame. We loved the first house we looked at, but of course didn't want to put an offer on it because it was <span style="font-weight: bold;">THE FIRST HOUSE</span> and isn't that a big no-no? But we figured at least we knew what we really wanted and kept looking. Then the "perfect" house came on the market, we fell in love with it and found ourselves dreaming about it...then someone else put down an offer and bam! it was off the market.<br /><br />Just like a new relationship...you fall head over heels with someone, but then they break your heart and there you are picking up the pieces when it hurts so bad. It makes it hard to love again because your guard is up and it's going to take some serious effort to knock it back down.<br /><br />There was another house, what we've dubbed the "kitchen house" because this kitchen makes you so giddy and in love and wanting to have it's little kitchen babies. In reality the downstairs is amazing and perfect for entertaining, there's a great backyard and you think that's it. But the upstairs needs serious work, the master bath & closet will need to be completely redone and the owner is asking way too much money for the thing.<br /><br />So we sat. We did all kinds of research on this house, the owner and why he didn't want to bring his price down. The word divorce was thrown around and after reading <a href="http://dooce.com/2010/07/01/next-part-one/#comments-start">Dooce's posts</a> on the crazy lady they bought from it made me almost run away screaming. But the kitchen, the beautiful kitchen with the sub zero fridge, the separate freezer, the double oven, the island that seats six.<br /><br />...<br /><br />Then yesterday we saw a different house. I was wary, thought "eh, I see so many things I'd like to change". But it's priced to sell, and those around here go within a week. And after spending almost an hour and a half touring the house I tentatively started warming up to it. The layout is perfect, the high vaulted ceilings, the master bedroom, the laundry chute, even the backyard. I want to get excited, but I'm so timid, worried my heart is going to get ripped out again.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center; font-style: italic;">Dream kitchen vs. decent kitchen w/amazing pantry<br />Landscaped backyard vs. larger slightly noisy backyard<br />Mirrored closets vs. california closet walk-ins<br />Xmas tree bay window vs. cascading staircase<br /></div><br />Is one better? What can you upgrade for cheap and what's going to cost an arm and a leg to change? My head hurts. People normally get a starter home for their 1st but we're looking for a house we can settle down in. Put down roots, raise children. We're going to discuss this to death. I know that if either one of these houses is not the right one it will present itself to us but I don't know how much more I can handle. Pro-con lists will be my friend tonight, I can feel it. And hopefully we can both land comfortably on one side or the other.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Homeowners, how did you know your place was "the one"? Was there a feeling or did it take you a little time to know it was right?</span>Casshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13230001306972369011noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5949063381337366867.post-5670391957472027642010-07-07T10:58:00.000-07:002010-07-07T11:05:03.779-07:00"I shall call him Squishy and he shall be mine and he shall be my Squishy. Come on, Squishy. Come on, little Squishy. Ow. Bad Squishy, bad Squishy."<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Sounds of water running.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Jaws dropping.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Feet hitting carpet...squishing.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Frantic phone calls.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Waiting what seems like hours, days.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Shop-vacs sucking.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Fans whirling.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Silence.</span><br /></div><br />Last week my washer proceeded to flood. Well scratch that, let's start at the beginning. It all starts the same way, I start to remind M that it might be a good idea to wash his towels. He tells me that they are <span style="font-weight: bold;">JUST FINE</span> and I disagree saying they smell, which is apparently something only someone <span style="font-weight: bold;">FEMALE </span>can smell and ends with him relenting. To be nice I offer to let him use my washer & dryer because you don't actually have to pay for each use in quarters and we're on our merry way.<br /><br />That is until this time. We put the towels in the washer and proceed to make dinner and once we eat I go to check on the laundry. That's when I hear water still running, see water in the bathroom and feel that squishy yucky (hot!) water under my feet. In that second I'm frozen until the only thing I can do is yell "M!!!!!" He runs for more towels, I call the emergency maintenance line for my apartments and then I wait. And wait. Stupid phone line is actually a pager so someone has to call me back. Luckily I get the call back soon but then proceed to wait until they finally show up.<br /><br />But they did and were surprisingly helpful. One round of the shop-vac and them telling me how great it was that I caught the flooding early. Two days of fans drying out my carpet, I now have that sound of industrial strength fan buzzing through my ears at a moment's notice.<br /><br />My poor downstairs neighbor was not nearly as fortunate. She wasn't home for most of it and the maintenance people had to poke holes in her ceiling to get the water to flow...and flow it certainly did. But we're now back to normal with no indication it happened in the first place.<br /><br />Yikes, I don't know how people deal with this when they own their own home. Still wish we could find the perfect one, we've been on the search since October.<br /><br />But in much happier news, have you voted for <a href="http://www.livitluvit.com/">LiLu </a>to be MTV's new Twitter Jockey?!?!<br /><br /><center><a href="http://facebook.com/zync" target="_blank"><img src="http://i556.photobucket.com/albums/ss5/Livitluvit/mtvtj-1.png" alt="LiLu for MTV TJ" border="0" /></a></center><br />Please please vote for her, she's one of my first commenters on this blog and I love her dearly.Casshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13230001306972369011noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5949063381337366867.post-27121432228361009012010-06-04T12:03:00.000-07:002010-06-04T12:09:47.774-07:00Back to the drawing board<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3AUs-E31NDHbiCMQ7-lE4wKwcavfXy4CNQsLlnP4lswZzebdllN7Hgyh7o1OeFOJm3lG7ZisHQvjHXhOWxlY4RomxohsKkZevDK1AC3B7FjPv5HZcr29B_GUFTdgWJzZ9t3gKTII1nJ0/s1600/PhilippeRamette9_large.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 256px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3AUs-E31NDHbiCMQ7-lE4wKwcavfXy4CNQsLlnP4lswZzebdllN7Hgyh7o1OeFOJm3lG7ZisHQvjHXhOWxlY4RomxohsKkZevDK1AC3B7FjPv5HZcr29B_GUFTdgWJzZ9t3gKTII1nJ0/s320/PhilippeRamette9_large.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5478996472594340738" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:78%;"><a href="http://www.weheartit.com">weheartit</a></span><br /><br /></div>Remember my post about going gluten free? I finally made the appointment with my dr. about getting tested. The good news is that I've had that appointment and came back with some news. The bad news is that it turns out I was tested for celiac disease back when (although no one told me) and the test came out negative.<br /><br />So here I am back at the drawing board. My dr. mentioned talking to a naturopath and a possibility of joining another IBS study but neither one of these options sound all that positive to me. I know nothing about naturopathy (I guess it's time to research) except that I've lumped it together with chiropractic medicine and astrology. Maybe in my research I'll find out it has some merit.<br /><br />Now the IBS study makes me feel like I'm grasping at straws. I've done one of these studies before and the only benefit I received was a little cash and a boyfriend I realized was horrible for me. I should be more positive about this, I mean my company does clinical trials all the time but the first study left such a bad taste in my mouth that I'm not sure.<br /><br />The only upside to all this is that I had a beer last night and didn't feel crappy afterward, so maybe it's not necessarily the gluten thing. If and when I get to Oktoberfest in Germany I won't be dying. :-)<br /><br />Do any of you have experience with seeing a naturopath? Did it work? Was it pointless?Casshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13230001306972369011noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5949063381337366867.post-52114480973919246742010-05-25T10:51:00.000-07:002010-05-25T10:57:18.965-07:00I'd like a little cracker with my cheese & wine<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyGJPIwJEuTF8HMbGOI3MAzGijJdle2TnEA6hui8n7usAhbVEf0j30jvlzzQ_puELRqJX7IVOS88zp6e6JWMIpmxojRv5cuGw73OHr-3EPnfe5JaV7mkbLl1QnwLiBD-Zj9aOpZVLjY10/s1600/gluten-free3.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 199px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyGJPIwJEuTF8HMbGOI3MAzGijJdle2TnEA6hui8n7usAhbVEf0j30jvlzzQ_puELRqJX7IVOS88zp6e6JWMIpmxojRv5cuGw73OHr-3EPnfe5JaV7mkbLl1QnwLiBD-Zj9aOpZVLjY10/s200/gluten-free3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5475267935979903986" border="0" /></a>Something I haven't really written about in this blog are my health issues...well, one really. And that is the problem of the all the time stomach ache. I've had this issue since I can remember, starting from having a colic as a baby and here I am, almost 29 years old and still barely have an idea what causes it.<br /><br />To say it's frustrating would be an understatement. I've gone through countless tests, semi-diagnosis of IBS and even clinical trials in hopes to figure out what causes it all. But it wasn't until I started working at a company that is filled with doctor types that thought maybe...just maybe...I have celiac disease.<br /><br />I still haven't made an appointment with my dr. because apparently the only time they are closed is when I can call, but I'm going to get there soon. In the meantime though I've been working on going gluten free. You know, to see if it makes a difference.<br /><br />But you know what the hardest thing is? Finding a decent gluten free cracker. So far I like the Blue Diamond "Nut Thins", but they do not have the consistency of a good cracker. Really, I want a tasty cracker to put stinky cheese on while I have a glass of wine, so anything that resembles a water cracker is tops in my book.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">So readers, do you have any suggestions? Have you gone gluten free? And if so, what are your go-to alternatives?</span> Carbs are my downfall, pasta, bread, (beer) you name it. I was shocked to see that even soy sauce has gluten in it so my mind is a little upside down at the moment. Throw in the fact that both mine & M's grandparents come from wheat farms and there you go...brain exploded. ;-)Casshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13230001306972369011noreply@blogger.com3